More than 600 people a day are expected to use a 6km cycle and walkway from Kamo to central Whangarei when it opens next year.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges yesterday turned the first sod for the $6.6 million cycle/walkway near Whangarei Boys' High School.
"When it's finished the Kamo Shared Path is expected to be used by 600 people a day. It will also benefit the wider Whangarei and Northland economy, making it easier for tourists to get around and access tourist destinations," Mr Bridges said.
The path is funded by a $2m government investment through the Urban Cycleways Fund, $2.4m from the National Land Transport Fund and $2.2m from Whangarei District Council.
Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai said the project will deliver a 6km off-road shared path for use by cyclists and pedestrians that is expected to attract more than 600 people a day.
When it is completed in 2018, the Kamo Shared Path will be one of three routes making up the primary Whangarei cycle network. The Onerahi route is now open, and work on the Raumanga/Maunu route is ongoing, Ms Mai said.
While in Northland Mr Bridges also turned the first sod to mark the start of two new two-lane bridges at Matakohe.
Hardies Bridge and Anderson Bridge will be replaced with two-way structures, with tight bends in approach roads realigned.
He also celebrated the completion of two state highway projects - State Highway 1 between Kensington Ave and Manse St in Whangarei, which has been upgraded to remove bottlenecks and improve safety.
The Brynderwyn Hills Safer System Project is also complete. The $18m project involved widening the road, removing tight corners and installing a median wire rope barrier.